Alternatives to Zero Tolerance Policies & Practices

Effective School Engagement for High Risk Youth: Less Punitive Alternatives to Zero Tolerance Policies and Practices

Occurred Friday, May 13, 2011, 9:00-10:30 am, San Jose City Hall

Dr. Ken Seeley, President, The National Center for School Engagement

Dr. Seeley provided current research and evidence based practices that can help school personnel manage high risk youth to help get them on-track for graduation. Traditional school discipline policies and practices have had the effect of pushing out problem students and then they become a community problem for law enforcement and the juvenile services system. The group learned about how to assess current practices and policies and develop alternatives that promote engagement or re-engagement of students in school. A summary of the current School Engagement change process going on in some Santa Clara County Schools will be discussed. Some group strategy planning and questions/discussion were undertaken as part of this 90 minute session.